When thinking about planning a trip, consider the road trip option.

Road trips are a great way to enhance the traveling experience. They have the ability to add a personal touch. In a car, you can let lose, listen to the music you want and at any volume you’d like, eat whatever snacks you crave, dress in your comfiest pair of sweats, and most of all, take as much time as you’d like.

When we travel by alternate methods of transportation, like airplanes, we often feel aggravated or stressed out. We are restricted to listening to music with headphones, eating the crappy snacks offered by the flight attendants, dressing appropriately, and adhering to strict time schedules.

Why play by the rules when you can play by your own?

While road trips are the more spontaneous method of travel, some planning is still necessary to ensure you have the best experience possible. Don’t leave the house without checking the car for these four things:

1. Good eats

You’d be lying if you said a road trip were complete without a variety of snacks to munch on. It’s all about catering to your individual taste. Whether you have a sweet tooth or prefer a little salt, there’s always that one snack you reach for at the store, so get it!

Indulge in your favorite munchies. Feel guilty about it later.

Road trips are not subject to daily dieting rules. All diets go out the window when you save your seat in the car. No one likes it when there’s a health nut in the car judging every time you throw back a bag of M&M’s.

2.Good tunes

Music=vibes.

Whether you decide to create a playlist beforehand or prefer creating a que as you go, the music is crucial for setting the mood of the car. It’s obvious that not all passengers in the car are going to have the same exact tastes in music, which is why it’s important for the DJ to play songs that appeal to everyone.

There’s nothing quite like the ability of a great song to get the whole car singing and dancing.

3. Good reads

Although some of us can’t stand the idea of reading while in motion, the other half of us find it to be a pleasurable experience. If you are among this population of car-readers, then you better be sure to stock up on a good read before departure.

It doesn’t matter if you enjoy the excitement of magazine drama or the unraveling plot of a fictional novel, grab what best suits your interest. When the roads seem to go on forever and you’re tired of carrying on with conversation, bury yourself in the words of these magazines or novels and escape to another place.

4. Good peeps

Perhaps the most important thing to remember when going on a road trip is thinking carefully about who you ask to accompany you.

You must be sure that you can tolerate these people for a long period of time in the confines of a car. Be sure to bring people that can spark good conversation, incite laughter, and make light of unfortunate situations. Avoid inviting the grumpy or stubborn friends. Instead bring along the good-spirited and easy-going ones.

After all, good experiences are all about the company you keep.

So if you’re thinking about paying a visit to new place, consider getting there on four wheels.

Forget all the hassle of flying to your destination. Grab your keys, some good company, load up the car with the essentials, and set out on the open road. It’ll be an experience you’ll never forget!